Readers urge single mom to reach out

Here is Part 2 of your many heartfelt responses to the Jan. 9 plea from a struggling single mom of three children who has hope for a better 2012:

Reader response: I was a single mother with three small children and a full-time job (often not the best paying job). This mother is obviously suffering from being overwhelmed and depressed — she needs to get help for that. The Salvation Army (or her own church) will help her get the kind of help she needs and direct her to social services in her area. They’ll also help her find ways to upgrade her skills. If the children are old enough to go to school, they’re old enough to help a little in the house. Teach them to hang up their clothes, make their beds and give them scheduled chores according to their age. Make games out of tidying up the kitchen, washing dishes, etc. That’s also a great time to talk with them. Regarding making sure the children’s clothes are clean, plan their school outfits on your day off. I washed T-shirts, blouses, etc. by hand in the sink because I didn’t have a washer. Sending children to school in their sleeping attire only makes them the butt of jokes among their peers. Make inexpensive meals on the weekend that you can reheat on workdays. Don’t be afraid to buy bruised vegetables. Cut off the bruised bits and they’re great in soups, stews and pasta. Cheap cuts of meat can be used if you cook them slowly on a low heat. Play board games and take the kids to free activities. Join Parents without Partners, as they provide outings and activities for kids. Most of all: Emphasize education! The only way out of poverty for children is to ensure they get the best education they can. When they’re older, they can earn a little money babysitting, cutting lawns, watering plants, etc. in the neighbourhood. My reward: My children are welleducated, have great lives and are very close to me. They recently said they never knew they were poor while they were growing up.

Reader response: Her story sounds very similar to that of the mom of my “little sister.” She wanted her son and daughter to have more in life than what she could give them so she went to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I’m a retired teacher, an empty nester and I’m in my glory helping my “little sis” learn to cook, sew, shop smartly, do her homework, get exercise, solve her friendship problems — you name it! She enriches my life, and I hope I do the same for her.

Reader response: She should let her neighbours know of her situation. Some will have the intelligence and the heart to help her. Also, she might communicate her situation with a few close colleagues in hopes that a small group of people can help regularly. These children will need other families to interact with, help them with homework, etc. The mother’s carrying a lot on her plate. If there’s no help, her health will suffer.

Reader response: Call some children’s activities and classes, and ask to do something in exchange for lessons, for example: Agree to set up and put things away, clean up at the end of the class, etc.

TIP OF THE DAY For those who are struggling, use these ideas to explore every resource to help children have a fair chance at growing up with sufficient food, shelter and security.